Intermittent WiFi is one of the most common problems I get called about. It's also one of the most frustrating, because it's not always obvious what's causing it. Is it your router? Your ISP? Your neighbour's microwave? Here's how to work through it methodically.

If your WiFi keeps disconnecting, the cause is usually router placement, interference, outdated firmware, overloaded equipment, or an issue with your broadband line. Working through these steps methodically can often resolve the problem without replacing equipment.

This is one of the most common issues I see in homes and small businesses across Uckfield and the surrounding East Sussex area.

Start With Where Your Router Is

The single most overlooked cause of poor WiFi is router placement. Most people put the router wherever the BT or Virgin engineer installed it, which is often in a hallway, under the stairs, or tucked into a corner. That might be fine for the front room, but signals drop off fast through walls and floors.

WiFi broadcasts in all directions from the router, so central placement makes a big difference. A few things that help:

  • Move the router to a more central spot in your home if the cable run allows it
  • Raise it off the floor. Shelf height is much better than floor level
  • Keep it out of cupboards and away from thick stone or brick walls
  • Keep it away from cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves as they all share the same 2.4GHz frequency and can cause interference

Check Which Band You're Connected To

Most modern routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band carries further through walls but gets congested quickly, especially in built-up areas where you're picking up a dozen of your neighbours' networks. The 5GHz band is faster and much less congested, but doesn't travel as far.

If you're close to your router and getting drops, try connecting to the 5GHz network instead. Your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser) will let you adjust channel settings if needed.

Update Your Router's Firmware

Routers run software, just like your computer, and that software needs updating occasionally. An out-of-date router can be slow, unstable, and a security risk. BT and Sky routers often update themselves automatically overnight, but if yours is older or from a different provider, it's worth checking.

Log into your router's admin panel and look for a firmware or software update option. If you're not sure how, a quick search for your router model and "firmware update" will walk you through it.

Too Many Devices?

A modern home can easily have 20 or 30 devices connected to WiFi: phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, streaming sticks, games consoles, smart plugs, doorbells, heating controls. Every connected device shares available bandwidth and processing capacity on the router.

If someone's streaming 4K Netflix while you're trying to do a video call, you'll feel it. If your router is more than five years old, it may simply not be designed to handle the number of devices a modern household throws at it.

For computers you use for work, a wired ethernet connection is always worth considering. It's faster, more reliable, and takes one device off the WiFi completely.

Could It Be Your Internet Line?

If you've tried the above and the problem persists, the issue might not be your router at all. Connect your laptop directly to the router with an ethernet cable and run a speed test at fast.com. If you're getting much lower speeds than your package promises, or the connection drops on a wired connection too, then the problem is likely with your ISP or the line into your property.

A useful tip: keep a note of when drops happen. If they're always at the same time of day, it often points to network congestion in your area rather than a fault with your equipment. ISPs are much quicker to investigate when you can show them a pattern.

When It's Time to Call Someone

If you've worked through all of the above and you're still getting drops, it's probably time for someone to take a proper look. Sometimes the router just needs replacing. Sometimes it's a network configuration issue. Sometimes it's a fault on the line that needs an engineer from your ISP.

If you're in Uckfield, Lewes, Crowborough, Haywards Heath or anywhere across East Sussex and you'd like a hand sorting it, give me a call on 01825 768548 or send a message. I'll tell you honestly what the problem is and what it'll take to fix it.

For a full assessment of your network, an IT Health Check can identify the root cause. If your WiFi coverage needs a proper redesign, see our Network Setup & Management service. And for ongoing monitoring so problems get caught before they cause disruption, have a look at our GNL Protect managed plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting randomly?

The most common causes are poor router placement, interference from neighbouring networks, outdated firmware, or an overloaded router.

Does restarting the router fix WiFi drops?

Restarting can temporarily fix issues caused by memory or connection glitches, but if drops continue, there is usually an underlying cause that needs addressing.

Is it my WiFi or my broadband?

Testing with a wired ethernet connection helps determine whether the issue is your wireless signal or the internet line itself. If it drops on a wired connection too, the problem is likely with your ISP or the line into your property.